epidural dressing ?

[lisa41rn]

A patient on my med-surg floor had a total knee replacement and was on epidural pain control. I saw her epidural dressing had some blood on it and was told to just keep an eye on it as it can happen upon insertion. It didn't increase any further. I've always seen cleaner epidural dressings? Now I'm wondering was this info correct? It did come from a nurse who has seen many many epidurals. Thanks

[Thunderwolf, MSN, RN]

She is correct that you need to watch for it to increase in drainage. Some of our epidurals that come back have some too, some don't. If you notice an increase in drainage during your shift, contact your anesthesiologist to come check it out.